TURKISH DELIGHTS

Everywhere I go, people ask about my all-time favorite destination. My answer is often the last place I have traveled to since I come home each time feeling so enamored. Turkey changed this pattern because it has stayed with me each day since I returned from an adventure so full of Turkish Delights—the confections, of course, but so much more. Over a week, I experienced Turkish hospitality on every level—from the opulence of Çırağan Palace Kempinski to offers from strangers to sit and enjoy coffee together. However, to my surprise, it all started on the flight to Istanbul.

THE FLYING CHEFS
Admittedly, the travel schedule was hectic last fall, and I didn’t do much research on what size plane I would be on. I was just grateful to be in business class and assumed a big plane for a long flight. As I settled in, I noticed a chef in fine dining-style. Sure enough, she visited each business class passenger, took orders for a multi-course meal, and explained that 80 percent of the ingredients are sourced locally in Turkey. The salmon was garnished with a celeriac mousse; the raspberry almond cake was sublime, and the flickering battery-operated candles gave the feel of the glamour of flying from long ago.

After the fine dining experience, I was ready for bed and looking forward to the lay-flat seat. The crew came by with specialty bedding and set up my sleep environment as I unpacked my complimentary Ferragamo amenity bag. In the meantime, I also dabbled in Turkish Airline’s Feel Good Fly Good offerings, especially the menu of fresh blended juices, smoothies, and teas—all formulated to prevent common travel discomforts like restless sleep, indigestion, and dehydration.

I was also excited to see this travel wellness philosophy in the airline’s airport lounge. Chefs cook in real-time at elegant buffets, reserve-in-advance sleeping areas, and immersive experiences, like flight and golf simulators, to help pass the time. My destination was Istanbul, but it’s worth checking out the airline’s stopover program, which includes hotel vouchers that can be redeemed on the airline’s website after the ticket purchase

ALONG THE BOSPHORUS
Many of the hotels I stayed at presented arrival gifts like fresh flower bouquets—something I noticed drivers at the airport doing as well. Using this idea as a jumping-off point, I was still taken aback by the exemplary level of service at Istanbul’s Çırağan Palace Kempinski. It’s a Kempinski property, so I had grand expectations, but this Ottoman imperial palace is almost beyond imagination. The hotel building’s recent redesign, led by General Manager Ralph Radtke, premier architect Mustafa Toner, and Ottoman Art Expert Serdar Gülgü, creates a seamless blend of history and modern-day elegance. The property sits along the European shores of the Bosphorus, providing a dazzling backdrop and warm breezes.

I’d suggest a few nights here at the start of any adventures in Turkey. Enjoy the incredible rooms, soap butler, Turkish ritual baths, and fine dining at the Michelin-recommended Tuğra Restaurant in the Palace portion of the hotel. Chef Emre İnanır’s use of Aegean herbs and traditional Turkish methods, combined with his culinary prowess, makes for an evening you’ll long cherish.

While in Istanbul, make time to stroll the eclectic shops in the Karaköy neighborhood or the Grand Bazaar, take a tour with Istanbul Tour Studio, and sip craft cocktails while overlooking the city at Okra Restaurant’s rooftop bar.

BOUNTIFUL BODRUM—YACHTS,
COVES & HISTORY
Among my favorites in Turkey, along the southwest coast, is the city of Bodrum. It’s nestled in the area known as the Turkish Riviera or Turquoise Coast, and the drama of its seaside landscape and chic hotels has the ephemeral glam feel of a James Bond movie. The Aegean Sea is the beginning, middle, and grandiose finale to each day’s agenda—from lounging at private, high-end beach clubs to swanky open-air nightclubs.

If you’re looking for the latest oh-so-buzzy place to stay, it’s Kaya Palazzo Resort & Residences, Le Chic Bodrum. The spa features traditional Turkish Hammam experiences and a stunning waterfront location. Work with the staff to coordinate a yacht rental; the captain will pick you up just off the Pier Bar’s dock. Many hidden coves are nearby, where yachts dock for an afternoon of music, cocktails, and swimming. Float in the blue-green waters of the Aegean Sea, cocktail in hand. If you’re lucky, a little boat will putter on into the cove—going from one yacht to the next—selling fabulous ice cream treats.  

Make time to head into town to visit Bodrum Castle and Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archeology and its fascinating Glasswreck Hall. Here, you can see remnants of Mediterranean trade dating back to 1025 AD; the exhibit houses the remains of a sunken ship and its 3-ton glass haul—from exquisite tableware to raw glass blocks. Adding to the fun, don’t miss summer shenanigans on Cumhuriyet Street—where music spills into the street and the cocktails, laughs, and dancing all flow freely. 

My advice for would-be travelers? Start in Istanbul and make your way south, and you’ll never be without the salt air and Turkish hospitality.  

For more information on Turkish Airlines, go to turishairlines.com/en-us;
for Kempinski Hotels, visit Kempinski.com/en/ciragan-palace;
for Kaya Palazzo Hotels, visit kayapalazzohotels.com/en